Navy: He will acquire three Marine Protector patrol cars from the US

Three used Marine Protector patrol cars through their EDA program (i.e. the free disposal of surplus equipment no longer used by the U.S.) will acquire the . Already, the relevant proposal of the Naval Staff was approved by the General Staff Board, with the next step being the positive decision of the leadership of the Ministry of National Defence and the CYSEA, in order to proceed as soon as the relevant procedure for the Navy. The inspection of the patrol cars by the Special Officers of the Navy had preceded the U.S. , with the Fleet Commands considering that the Marine Protectors granted are in very good condition and after limited tasks will be completely operational. The three patrol cars were included in the list of “as is where is” weapons systems in Greece via EDA. The cost of transport and work in order to reach our country and become operational units, which will be integrated into the fleet’s arsenal, is estimated at around EUR 5 million per vessel , a total of EUR 15 million and will be borne by Greece and the Navy. Already Congress has approved the free grant of Marine Protector to our country, as part of the total free assistance of defence material to our country via EDA. Marine Protector patrol cars, previously serving on the U.S. Coast Guard along with the Island patrol cars, are to replace the aged surveillance vessels operating in the Eastern Aegean. Their characteristics These are vessels of 26.5 meters long, displacement of 93 tonnes which can develop a maximum speed of 25 knots. They operate with a 10-member crew and feature heavy and light machine guns in historators, front and rear, while there is a possibility of placing a remote-controlled turret with a machine gun on the bow. They carry AN/SPS-73 surface radar and the possibility of missions with an autonomous 900-mile duration of up to 5 days. They can operate in a Marine Condition up to 5. Their advantages include the existence of aft inclined ramp, from which a Zodiac type RHI vessel can be launched with a length of 5.4 meters. This is an innovation that ensures flexibility and accessibility of coasts and other points where the Protector cannot approach. The vessel has the ability to produce drinking water through reverse osmosis system. Marine Protector have been attempting for the American Coast Guard since 1999. A total of 74 vessels were built and additional four for Malta and Yemen. Their gradual withdrawal began in 2020, with the US granting Protector to the Philippines, Lebanon and Uruguay. The Navy decided to proceed with their acquisition as they are highly reliable vessels, easy to maintain and support at very low cost of use. Furthermore, its advantages include the small number of crew members required to operate. They are considered ideal to meet the needs of surveillance in the Eastern Aegean and to succeed vessels of outdated technology in some cases even wooden which they have been serving for many decades. The aim is for the next few years to be obtained free of charge through EDA and other Marine Protectors which the Americans will withdraw. Source: OnAlert.gr / Kostas Sarikas